Ender-2 50mm Motherboard fan

thingiverse

Cheap 3D printers make a lot of noise since they use small high rpm fans that aren't rubber mounted. The original motherboard fans are 40x40x10, 12v ~7600 rpm fans. It's possible to replace the fan with a Noctua 40x40x10 FLX 4500rpm 4.8CFM fan, but it can't possibly deliver the same cooling as the original fan. A Fractal design 50x50x10 3500rpm @ 12v fan isn't enough to achieve the same cooling as the original fan. I recommend a 50x50x15 3800rpm @12v fan for optimal cooling/sound performance. The bracket can hold a 50x50x10 or a 50x50x15 fan. The frame increases the height of the box by 10mm and decreases air resistance a lot. It also has very convenient SDcard guides. Three small round spacers are placed on the studs on the motherboard. You need to cut away about 4mm from the cover (clearance for the cantilever bracket). Note on my Ender-2: 12.34v on input terminals on motherboard 11.5v to motherboard fan when idling 10.4-10.7 volt when printing* Other notes: Connectors on motherboard are JST XH 2.5-2 Pin. Silicon/rubber mounts for fans can be purchased in computer stores. It can take up to 5 minutes until fans reach max speed. Green wires in pictures are temperature probes. Sound levels: Before: 52.6 dBA Creality 40x40x10 ~7400rpm After: 41.7 dBA Spire 50x50x15 ~3170rpm with 58ohm resistance (82ohm parallel with 150ohm) Background: 31.3 dBA It's a huge difference in noise and vibrations! *I believe the voltage variations are caused by the hotbed turning on and off. **Uncalibrated measurement using “Noise meter” app by Jinasys (great app). Fan powered with external power source 11.5v (Ender-2 powered off). Measuring devices used during development: DT-2234C+ (Fan speed) PM6252A (Anemometer) NoName thermometer with two K-type thermocouples Parts: https://www.ebay.com/itm/10-SETS-JST-XH-2-5-2-Pin-Battery-Connector-Plug-Female-Male-with-100MM-Wire/263206353413 https://www.kjell.com/se/sortiment/dator-natverk/datorkomponenter/kylning/chassiflaktar/chassiflakt-50-mm-p38312 *Added 191012:* 3 M3x20mm screws (if using my spacers) or 3 10mm long PC-motherboard spacers (no need for my spacers) Thanks S1P for pointing this out.